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CRT Machines: How to Avoid Hiring Your Next Workman’s Comp Claim

March 30, 2017

The Lovitt & Touché CRT Isokinetic Strength and Agility Screening (CRT Machine) provides effective solutions for controlling and reducing Workers’ Compensation claims by safely accessing physical strength and agility for both job applicants and injured employees.

How Does the CRT Machine Work?

CRT evaluations produce a Body Index Score (BIS) by measuring muscle strength and range of motion for the back, shoulders and knees.  The BIS determines if the candidate has the strength and agility required to safely perform essential functions of the job. The U.S. Department of Labor and CRT definitions of strength levels are used to establish the BIS.

Is the CRT Machine Effective?

CRT Isokinetic Strength and Agility Evaluations measure over 83% of the muscle systems used for most physical labor, clearly identifying and documenting sub-maximal effort. These evaluations are objective, defensible, reproducible, standardized and comply with ADA / EEOC regulations. It is acceptable to require an applicant to demonstrate that she or he may be able to perform the essential functions of the job (29 CFR § 1630.14(a)). If an applicant fails a pre-employment strength and agility test, the employer owes no duty of any kind. This interpretation of the ADA was upheld by the Supreme Court in Chevron U.S.A, Inc. v Echazabal (226 F .3d 1063 (2002)).

What Evaluations Can The CRT Machine Perform?

The Lovitt & Touché CRT Program offers four types of evaluations:

  1. Pre-Employment Evaluations: As part of the application process, CRT Strength and Agility Evaluations provide objective assessments of a candidate’s physical capabilities to determine if they can perform the essential functions of the job. This evaluation enables companies to better identify qualified applicants.
  2. Post-Injury Evaluations: This joint comparison evaluation validates whether a work related injury exists, verifies the degree of injury, identifies areas needing rehabilitation, and determines risk of repeat injury. A treating physician must prescribe this test.
  3. Baseline Evaluations: This evaluation establishes a baseline on existing employees and is utilized for comparison testing in the event of a future injury.
  4. Return-to-Work / Function Capacity Evaluations: This evaluation is more comprehensive than the post injury test. Instead of focusing on one or two joints, this evaluation provides an overall assessment of the employee’s injured joint(s) and overall body strength by measuring muscle strength and range of motion. The administration of this evaluation is typically prior to the injured employee’s release to return to work and/or discharge. The treating physician, employer and claims administrator receive a detailed report outlining the results. This evaluation also re-establishes the baseline in the event of future work related injuries.

How Can I Find Additional Information?

For more information about the Lovitt & Touché CRT Program, please contact crt@lovitt-touche.com or call (602) 956-2250

You can also check out our short, informational video below: